Otter (23 images)

The River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is usually between 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. They have a sleek, cylindrical body; small head; tail nearly one third of the body and tapers to a point; feet webbed; claws short; fur is dark dense brown. Ears and nostrils close when underwater;
whiskers aid in locating prey.
The Otter is the most aquatic member of weasel family;
generally found near water. They eat crayfish and fish; also frogs, turtles, sometimes young muskrats or...more »

The River Otter (Lutra canadensis) is usually between 40-54 inches long, 10-30 pounds. They have a sleek, cylindrical body; small head; tail nearly one third of the body and tapers to a point; feet webbed; claws short; fur is dark dense brown. Ears and nostrils close when underwater;
whiskers aid in locating prey.
The Otter is the most aquatic member of weasel family;
generally found near water. They eat crayfish and fish; also frogs, turtles, sometimes young muskrats or beavers.
They are active year-round. Breed in late March through April; one litter of two young per year. Females and offspring remain together
until next litter; may temporarily join other
family groups. Otters can swim underwater up to 6 miles per
hour and for 2-3 minutes at a time. While not usually agile or fast on land, if they find
snow or ice, then can move rapidly by alternating hops and slides and can reach
speeds of 15 miles per hour.
Otters are known to move long distances between water bodies.
NPS Yellowstone Resource 2011.
Sylvan Lake, East Entrance Road, E Yellowstone.« less